Alcohol Intoxication

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Alcohol intoxication, also called drunkenness, is a temporary physical or behavior change after drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is made up of a chemical called ethanol. It is found in beer, wine, liquor, such as vodka and whiskey, or other adult drinks. With alcohol intoxication, the amount of alcohol you have taken is more than what your body can handle. Alcohol intoxication may cause abnormal body changes and you may not be able to think, act, or talk properly.
  
  
• Alcohol intoxication is diagnosed if you have drank alcohol recently and you show certain behavior or mental changes. These changes may include mood swings, poor judgement and trouble in the work setting. Main symptoms of alcohol intoxication must also be present for a diagnosis to be made. These may include slurred speech, movements do not work together correctly, problems staying awake or remembering things, and abnormal fast movement of the eyes. The symptoms must appear during or shortly after drinking alcohol and are not caused by other problems. Treatment for alcohol intoxication includes medicines, intravenous fluids, glucose, vitamin supplements, or respiratory support. Diagnosing and treating alcohol intoxication as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment for alcohol intoxication may cause unwanted effects. Some medicines may cause skin rash, itchiness, sleeping problems, low blood pressure, or slow heartbeat. Alcohol intoxication, if not treated, may be life-threatening and cause damage to your brain, liver, lungs, heart, or kidneys. Your drinking problem may get worse and affect your mood, friendships, and relationships. Alcohol intoxication increases your chance of having accidents, harming others, or breaking the law. The earlier alcohol intoxication is treated, the better the chances of preventing future problems. Your health, quality of life, and ability to function may decrease without treatment. Ask your caregivers if you are worried or have questions about your condition, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Intake and output: Your caregivers may need to know the amount of liquid you are getting. They may also need to know how much you are urinating. Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Certain foods also contain liquid. You may need more or less liquid each day. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day. Ask caregivers if they need to measure or collect your urine before you dispose of it.

IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.

Medicines: You may need any of the following:

• Anticonvulsant medicine: Anticonvulsants are given to control seizures.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Blood pressure medicine: This medicine may be given to lower your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure under control protects your heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
  
  
• Pain medicines: You may be given pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease your headache or body pain. Talk to your caregiver if you have any questions about these medicines.

Tests: You may need any of the following:

• Blood, urine, saliva, or breath tests: Samples of your blood, urine, or saliva are collected and sent to a lab for tests. Your breath may also be tested to check the levels of alcohol.
  
  
• Neurologic signs: Neurologic signs are also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. Caregivers check your eyes, your memory, and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested. This helps tell caregivers how your brain is working after an injury or illness. You may need to have your neuro signs checked often. Your caregiver may even have to wake you up to check your neuro signs.
  
  
• Pulse oximeter: A pulse oximeter is a machine that tells how much oxygen is in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your ear, finger, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Caregivers use this machine to see if you need more oxygen.

Treatment options: Your may need any of the following:

• Respiratory support:
  
  
  • Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula, or prongs, instead of a mask. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose. Tell your caregiver if your nose gets dry or if the mask or prongs bother you. Ask your caregiver before taking off your oxygen. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while your oxygen is on. Doing so may cause a fire.
    
    
  • Ventilator: A ventilator is a special machine that can breathe for you if you cannot breathe well on your own. You may have an endotracheal tube (ET tube) in your mouth or nose. A tube called a trach may go into an incision (cut) in the front of your neck. The ET tube or trach is hooked to the ventilator. The ventilator can also give oxygen to you.
  
  
• Other treatments:
  
  
  • Glucose: This medicine may be given to increase the amount of sugar in your blood.
    
    
  • Vitamin supplement: Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, may be given to prevent other conditions that may affect the brain.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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